20 December 2023
Writer/ Researcher: Iris Salvante
Graphics: Jia Moral
Moderators: Christinne Joy Salvacruz, Allysa Jane Finacle
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Bright and sparkling lights, parties, gifts, and cooler weather are sure signs of a merry season. However, Filipinos often say these kinds of festivities are just for kids. True enough, holidays such as Christmas and New Year– though they are still anticipated with much excitement– have started to feel a little different since you became an adult or a grown-up.
Expectations, responsibilities, and some life events have seemed to take over the genuine happiness the season brings, which most people felt when they were young (1), not to mention the traffic jams and media hype that add to the season’s hustles and bustles (1).
While all of these can be overwhelming, it’s wise to remember that you can be in charge of your time, your choices, and your intentions to celebrate and still enjoy the magic of the season (1).
What Makes People Less Merry During Holiday Seasons?
One study showed that 62% of respondents stated that their stress levels increased during the holiday season (2).
Here are some familiar holiday anxiety triggers:
- The holidays often bring a long list of responsibilities, such as cooking special meals, buying gifts, and hosting dinners or events. With the desire to make them memorable, the preparations can take a lot of your time and energy.
- The idea of being happy or merry to match the positive and fun vibes of the season brings pressure to some people. Recent challenges such as the loss of a loved one and unresolved emotions or life situations can surface with the fear of disappointing people or missing out during supposedly “happy” occasions, which can weigh down a person even more (3).
- Financial strain from many expenses is influenced by the holiday hype and traditions (4). The cost of gifts, the gathering chip-ins, and, for Filipinos, gifts for their inaanak (godchildren) are the usual inclusions of a holiday budget.
Developing a Resilient Mind to Enjoy The Holiday Season
Following are some techniques to make it through the holidays in a new, more proactive and positive way (1).
Acknowledge your feelings
- Recognize your feelings towards or during the holiday season without judgment and guilt. Plan to enjoy the celebration and your time with loved ones in a manner that suits your current emotional state (1).
Set boundaries
- Particularly in your expenses, setting boundaries will help you manage your expectations and focus on what matters more– time with family, prioritizing yourself, and being grateful (1). Spend time and energy on people you want and enjoy being with, and learn to say “no” to invitations that will only cause financial stress and deplete your energy and time (2). It’s better to pause and rest than show up tired and distracted (1).
Be kind to others
- Helping others creates a mild euphoric state, sometimes called “The Helper’s High. (3)” It’s also the Season of Giving, so take advantage of this time to do good deeds or reach out to a friend who’s alone or in need of emotional support.
Keep your healthy routine
- Although holidays are a good excuse to drink and eat a lot of sweets, help yourself not to overindulge, sleep right, and hydrate.
Take time to self-reflect
- Some holiday traditions may not be a part of your belief or culture, but being grateful for achievements and lessons from every high and low you had in the past year is a worthwhile recollection for everyone during the holiday season (5). Especially in times of inflation and the backlash of the pandemic, surviving is an accomplishment (5).
Navigating your way through the holiday’s overwhelming demands can be too far from easy at times. If you or someone you know struggles emotionally or financially during this season, remember that holidays don’t have to be perfect. Amidst traditions and relentless media hype, never put yourself last on your holiday list. Instead, focus on what brings you true joy– be merry on your own terms (1). Happy Holidays!
Session Questions:
- What’s your best Christmas or holiday memory?
- Which holiday tradition or activity do you find meaningful?
- What’s your idea of a well-spent holiday?
References:
1. Vermani, M. (2022). Stress: Recognizing and Conquering Those Holiday Blues. Psychology Today.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/deeper-wellness/202212/recognizing-and-conquering-those-holiday-blues
2. Bognano, T. (2019). When It’s Not the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Thrive Global.
https://community.thriveglobal.com/when-its-not-the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year/
3. Ponzar, A. (2022). Make The Holidays Merrier By Minding Your Mental Health. Ragan.
https://www.ragan.com/make-the-holidays-merrier-by-minding-your-mental-health/
4. Ramirez, J.-R. (2021). Turn The Holidays To Red & Green (Even When You’re Blue). Philstar.
https://philstarlife.com/self/514727-holidays-red-green-blue-mental-health?page=4
5. Asis, Z. (2020). A Filipino Holiday Wellness Guide To Get You Through The Season. Cambio & Co,
https://www.shopcambio.co/blogs/news/a-filipino-holiday-wellness-guide-to-get-you-through-the-season
